Isis is such a good little motivator. (Though some argue she's not so little.)

We've been walking every morning, because even when I don't feel like it, I know she does, and it makes her so happy. I do need to be more diligent about getting up early to do it. My boss noticed that I haven't been getting to work by 9.

The treat strategy seems to be working. Today we paused by the Golden retriever (who was leashed to his porch, so couldn't get too close to us anyway). I put her in a sit, gave her treats and told her "Lookitme." She happily ate her treats and walked past the retriever's home without incident.

A woman across the street said, "Nice job," which made us quite proud. I'm constantly worried that some stranger will think I'm a bad owner because my dog lunges or pulls on her leash, or because I jerk her collar too harshly, or not harshly enough.

She still pulls on her lead. When I tell her "Lookitme" and give her treats, maybe she'll hang back a little, but if I don't give her the treat right away, or once my hand's empty, she's right back to pulling ahead.